Mechanical aspects of bio based composites

The work consists of understanding the mechanical aspects of novel bio-based composites by exploring microstructures, weak interfaces, anisotropy, and lamella thickness. My current projects are (i) in situ mechanical tests with Deben microtester and scanning electron microscopes on a thin layer of montmorillonite clay on hydroxyethylcellulose films to investigate interfacial (adhesion) properties between the constituents, and (ii) 4-point-bending tests under the microscopes – optical and SEM’s – to study the complexity of the fracture process on delignified wood/PMMA composites (well known as transparent wood).